His Story

George Ralph was born on September 23, 1923 at Vancouver, BC. He was the son of Mary Ralph of 257 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver and the late George Ralph. His parents were married in 1917 at Vancouver, BC. George had two older brothers, John William and Daniel McPherson Ralph and one younger sister, Violet Mary Ralph.

George enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy on January 27, 1941 at Esquimalt, BC as a boy sailor at the age of 17 years and four months. His stature was 5 feet 11 inches, chest 36. His occupation at the time of his enlistment was fisherman, and his residence was Quathiaski Cove, BC. On his 18th birthday he signed up for a seven year engagement, official number 4122.

George underwent naval training at the shore establishments HMCS NADEN in Victoria and at HMCS STADACONA in Halifax and on armed merchant cruiser HMS RANPURA; armed yacht HMCS BEAVER; and destroyer HMCS RESTIGOUCHE prior to his posting to Corvette K234 HMCS REGINA on January 21, 1942 for sea duties. He was promoted to the rank of Able Seaman, Gunner on July 5, 1942. AB Ralph joined HMCS REGINA one day after her commissioning. Able Seaman Ralph served for 609 days on REGINA and was present on 45 convoys including Mediterranean and Africa patrols in addition to protecting the Halifax, Boston, and New York to the United Kingdom convoys. From September through November 1943 he underwent further training ashore. George was posted to Frigate K329 HMCS VALLEYFIELD on December 8, 1943, once again, one day after her commissioning. This new ship was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U548 on May 7, 1944, 50 miles south of Cape Race, Newfoundland during her fourth convoy escort duty. One hundred and twenty-five of her ship's company of 164 personnel were lost when the ship exploded and sunk within five minutes of the torpedo striking the ship’s ammunition magazine. AB Ralph was listed as missing - presumed dead.